Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal

My review: Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal

"Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal", (IKK) second film for both its lead star and its director, Udhayanithi Stalin and S.R.Prabhakaran, respectively, is a movie that comes out without much tall claims and is successful in achieving what it aspired to do in the first place. On the lines of Udhayanithi's debut "Oru Kal Oru Kannadi" IKK follows almost the same pattern romance-bromance-family sentiments. Only this time the heroine role has more brain and heart to it than just a mannequin for a heroine in OKOK. 

Movie gets many things right which doesn't mean that it is without any shortcomings. Cliched, stretchy and deary family sentiments between the protagonist and his father is a definite irritant for the viewers. It is quiet in deep contrast with the way the director has handled another such relationship in the movie, that between the brother-in-law of the protagonist and his uncle. It is handled with much subtlety albeit endearingly childish nonetheless, it has something new about it on screen. Hence when couple of reels later television-serial like father-son sentiment scenes spring on the screen it gets pretty ridiculous. The makers might have very well done without that deary teary 15 minutes which only makes the movie sticky.  

Actually when you try to analyse this movie, there is not much of a story to tell. Taking the thread of a guy falling for a girl who initially has other ideas but finally reciprocates only to stumble upon couple of roadblocks before they happily lived ever after, Prabhakaran has managed to keep the audience going with series of Santhanam comedies that roll one after another. After a long time here is a movie where Santhanam's comedy actually works. There are umpteen enjoyable one-liners that enthralls you. Hence when he is not onscreen one does get a feeling of missing him, and keep waiting for him to return. In between though scenes go on and on endlessly with not much of a purpose.   

Udhayanithi Stalin has improved a bit on his onscreen presence and dialogue delivery. However he is on his way to emulate K.Baghyaraj with his dancing abilities. Nayathara can do these kind of role even in her sleep. Other characters are are cardboard caricatures from the Tamil cinema of the yore. 

Harris Jayaraj's songs have a nostalgic feel to it. His background score is right from the amateur comedy drama circuit. Balasubramaniem's camera work is pleasant. Prabhakaran who made a credible debut with "Sundarapandiyan" has once again set out with the sole purpose of entertainment aimed at families that crowd the theaters over the weekend. He is partly successful in that endeavor of his. 

Critics might pan it but the families would lap it up. Second hit on the way for Udayanithi-Santhanam combo without much sweat and toil. 

Bottomline: Udayanithi piggybacks on Santhanam's awesome one-liners.

3/5